The short answer
Look at the request itself, see what other sitters say about the family, ask your own questions — and remember that you can always say no.
- What the request tells you
- What other sitters say
- Questions to ask
- Your right to say no
Families get to learn a lot about you before they book. You deserve the same: who they are, what the job involves, and what it's like to work with them.
Here's how to get a clear picture before you commit.
The Chens
Portland · 2 kids · 1 dog
92%
Would work with again
100%
Usually paid on time
92%
Usually clear instructions
83%
Usually home when they said
4
Repeat sitters
38
Jobs completed
What sitters say
Sweet kids, clear notes, and always home right on time.
Would work with this family again
- 1What other sitters think Ratings from sitters who've worked there.
- 2Paid on time? Know before you say yes.
- 3Would they go back? The question that says the most.
- 4In their own words Notes from other sitters, with their names.
Start with the request
A good request answers the basics before you have to ask: when, where, who you'll be caring for, and what it pays.
- The date and time — and, for regular care, the pattern.
- The address, so you know how far you'd travel.
- The kids and pets you'd be caring for.
- A note from the family about the job.
- The pay, based on your own rates — which you can adjust before you accept.
See what other sitters say
The best preview of a family is the sitters who've already worked with them. Would they go back? Were they paid on time? Were the instructions clear, and were the parents home when they said they'd be?
Questions worth asking a new family
- 1
About the kids
Their ages, routines, allergies, and anything that helps — or that you should know before the first night.
- 2
About the job
What they'd like you to do: meals, bedtime, homework, driving, the dog.
- 3
About pay
Your rate, how they'd like to pay, and what happens if they're late getting home or have to cancel.
- 4
About emergencies
Who to call first, who's nearby, and where the first-aid kit is.
- 5
Trust your gut
If something feels off, it's fine to pass. A short first job is a good way for both of you to see if it's a fit.
How REC'D BY helps
How it works on REC'D BY
Every request shows the date, the address, who you'd care for, the family's note, and what it pays — and you can adjust your rate before you accept. Once a family has added you, their page shows what sitters who've worked with them say: their star rating, whether sitters would work with them again, whether they usually pay on time, give clear instructions, and are home when they said, plus repeat sitters, jobs completed, and cancellations.
After a job, you can rate the family too — stars, a few quick questions, and a note for other sitters. Your name shows with your review, and the family can see what sitters say, so keep it fair and specific.
And it's always your call. Decline a request, withdraw if plans change, or hide a family — they won't be notified.
Questions
Can the family see my rating of them?+
Yes. Families can see what sitters say about them, and your name shows with your review.
Who can see what sitters say about a family?+
Sitters the family has added or booked.
What happens if I hide a family?+
They move to your hidden list and aren't notified. You can unhide them any time.
Know who you're working with
Hours, earnings, and availability in one Work Hub.
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